WNC Nature Center plans big changes
Center eyes expansion, better accessibility By Karen Chávez WNC Parent contributor
As a child growing up in Hendersonville, Sarah Merrell loved taking trips with her parents to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. She especially loved the turtle exhibit. “The Nature Center was one of my favorite places to go,” said Merrell, who recently joined the Friends of the Nature Center Board of Directors. “When I was 9, I had a box turtle named Boxer. The Nature Center had such a nice habitat for turtles that I actually donated my turtle to them.” Now 28, Merrell still loves turtles, but her new favorite exhibit at the Nature Center is the otters, which weren’t around when she was young. The otter exhibit, which recently received upgrades, is part of sweeping change coming to the WNC Nature Center.
The WNC Nature Center just completed its strategic master plan, which includes new animal exhibits, handicap accessible entrances and more. ERIN BRETHAUER/EBRETHAU@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM Staff just released “2020 Vision: Wild Asheville,” a new strategic/master plan that includes expanding conservation efforts, adding animal species, exhibits
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and educational space, and improving guest amenities and accessibility. Continues on Page 36
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